When Kerry wins, will it be possible for W to declare martial law

[smirkymonkey]

in the event of a "civil war" type scenario?

That is, if the losing side goes berserk, which they probably will, can the lame duck administration declare martial law and prevent Kerry from being inaugurated?

[cheezus]

1. well, I'm sure they could try

but it would be the biggest mistake they ever made. the republicans would lose for decades if they tried that.

[calico1]

2. He could try anything I suppose.

But I doubt his own Party would let him get away with that as this would affect them too.

[txindy]

3. The troops are in Iraq, even if Junior is dumb enough to try it.

Junior is vindictive and will deliberately create more problems for President-Elect Kerry, but declaring martial law is not something most other repubs in Congress would let him get away with. He would if he thought he could, though.

[smirkymonkey]

4. But as the "Commander in Chief" does he need Congress to

approve it?

[dansolo]

6. Technically, no

But Congress could impeach him and remove him from office. Even a declaration of marshal law would not supercede the powers given to Congress in the Constitution. And the military, whose sworn oath is to uphold the Constitution, would not support a lame-duck Bush.

[zbdent]

5. You been reading my old posts again?

hmm?

[ISUGRADIA]

7. Establishment would not let this happen

It would be bad for business and the establishment likes stability.